Personally, I'd take Kimbrel tomorrow, and I haven't previously been 100% on board with that to date. I think a 1yr deal is not only the way to go, but what he probably wants at this point as well. I'd really like a 2nd yr option, and we could afford it, but would, again, say he wouldn't go for it.

I'm a little confused as to what would have to be given up draft pick wise. I've heard a 3rd rounder, or the signing team's 3rd pick, which ever round it was in. (Meaning a possible 2nd round pick if there is a compensation pick involved). I really hate to give up an early pick like that, especially since this FO seems to have a good eye in drafting and acquiring talent.

But the simple, honest truth is, only a handful of guys from any draft class make it, much less make it for a long and steady career. The developmental highway of EVERY MLB team is littered with top prospects/draft choices that failed to meet expectations, or make it at all. On a team with this much talent, playing this well, there is real opportunity for someone like Kimbrel to make a significant difference. That has to be weighed vs an unknown draft selection that may or may not ever pan out.

Regarding others you mentioned, to dismiss the arms/potential of Romero or Mejia at this point would be misguided. I think we all know it's not as easy of an adjustment to make as just saying: "go to the pen and throw hard and dominate." The FO was probably hoping for that. It could still happen. But whether it be mental or physical preparation and adjustment, it hasn't happened as of yet.

I have honestly been surprised by the, so far, sustained success of Harper. Magill has the velocity and breaking ball to be very effective if he can control the BB and HR he allowed last season. Either, or both, could be fine, or very good, as 7th-8th men in the pen. But as of now, there is no 2nd LH to rely on at all. And while I like Parker, and feel May is going to settle in nicely, there is a very real need for a top fireman to join Rogers.

It's great to think about what a couple of these guys could do come the second half of the season, and what they could bring then, and for the future. But that is a dangerous "what if" game for a team looking this good.

If not Kimbrel, for various reasons, so be it. But the FO needs to be aggressive with at least one big move. Kimbrel costs money and a questionable draft choice. A LH option costs a couple prospects in a deep system. The FO has been very clear about adding to the team if the window for contention arrived.

The window is wide open at this point!

Wouldn’t be against us dipping into AA for Cody Stashak, the man’s been absolutely dominant so far, why not see what he can do? If not, Kohl Stewart seems like the safest bet.

Then again, we are playing the M’s next, so perhaps Addison Reed gets one last shot.

Wouldn’t be against us dipping into AA for Cody Stashak, the man’s been absolutely dominant so far, why not see what he can do? If not, Kohl Stewart seems like the safest bet.

Then again, we are playing the M’s next, so perhaps Addison Reed gets one last shot.

Given who threw (and also how they threw) tonight for Rochester, it almost certainly won't be Reed. Messing up Stewart's days doesn't seem like a good bet since they need a reliever, and the options are running thin. Doogie suggested to watch Austin Adams which would be well...meh

But, but, but you said that Hildenberger had become a proven commodity .

But, but, but you said that Hildenberger had become a proven commodity .

Touché. That early stretch certainly clouded the judgement there eh?

Well, that cupboard was well-stocked with arms in the offseason, but we left it closed with the latch on tight.  

If we open it up now, there's nothing but the cockroaches left, scurrying about.

I wonder if we'll join the mad post-draft rush for Kimbrel or Kuechel...?